Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, known in France and Quebec as the Korthals Griffon, is a gundog used mainly on upland game birds and waterfowl. Its harsh coat protects it in thick undergrowth and around water. Which country it belongs to is a matter of opinion: its founder was Dutch, he developed it at his kennel in Germany, and it is now counted as a French breed.

History

Eduard Karel Korthals is credited with creating the breed around 1873. He wanted the ideal versatile gun dog: tough, vigorous, devoted to its master, willing to work close to the gun and easy to train. His line began in 1874 with a female called Mouche and five other griffons. He bred carefully from these until he had dogs that matched his idea, and three of their offspring, Moustache I, Lina and Querida, are known as the Korthals Patriarchs, the direct ancestors of the breed. Korthals worked on his griffons for more than twenty years at his Ipenwoud kennel in Biebesheim am Rhein, Germany.

The first of the breed entered in the American Kennel Club stud book was Zolette, in 1887, listed as a Russian Setter (Griffon) because she was thought to be of Russian descent. The breed was officially recognised there under its present name in 1916. It remains fairly rare in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, although the kennel clubs of all three have long recognised it.

More recently, research found that another breed had been bred into the griffon around the world. In most countries this has split owners between those who want to keep the original Korthals type and clubs that accept all breedings, outcrosses included.

Appearance

This is a strong, medium-sized dog. Males stand 56 to 61 cm (22 to 24 in) and weigh 23 to 32 kg (50 to 70 lb); females stand 51 to 56 cm (20 to 22 in) and weigh 16 to 23 kg (35 to 50 lb). The body is well proportioned and muscular, with a long neck. The head is large and long, with big, rounded eyes under heavy eyebrows, a beard, and a nose that is always brown. Depending on the country, the tail may be docked.

The outer coat is harsh and wiry, over a thick undercoat that insulates the dog. Steel gray with brown markings is preferred. Chestnut brown, roan, white and brown, and white and orange are also accepted, though all brown, all white, and white and orange are less desirable. A black coat disqualifies.

Temperament

Griffons are intelligent, gentle-natured dogs that want to please, and they respond badly to harsh training. They are extremely attached to people and like to stay near their owners, so most do poorly if kept in kennels.

Care and health

Regular exercise and training are strongly recommended. Despite what is sometimes claimed, the griffon does shed, though a good deal less than many other breeds.

Facts on this page were checked against Wikipedia and may have changed since.